Grace Restaurant wedding of Erin and Ryan in Portland

Many of our couples don't live in Maine, but come here to get married because they spent summers here or enjoy the picturesque coastline or quaintness of our small towns. Erin and Ryan chose to live right here in Portland and get married here too!

Erin got ready at the Press Hotel (formerly the home of the Portland Press Herald) with her ladies, with its typewriters on the wall and letter-adorned carpets. Her hair and makeup were finished, so she was curled up on the bed most of the time laughing and chatting, offering suggestions on jewelry and making sure the playlist was on point. Every so often I'd catch a nervous check of her phone as the ceremony time crept closer. Finally, Erin got into her (gorgeous) dress and we all headed downstairs and made the quick walk over to Grace Restaurant.

Guests were seated on the bottom level and Ryan waited for Erin to appear at the end of the aisle with her dad. A huge smiled crossed his face when she arrived and they had a lovely ceremony, complete with a few tears and a couple of laughs (how does a veil fall out inside with no wind??).

We had fun with some photos over at City Hall, complete with Congress St. characters passing by, and came back to Grace for the reception. Guests were enjoying beautiful cocktails and hors d'oeuvres on the main level and the balcony with the beautiful stained glass windows as a backdrop.

The festivities kicked off with their first dance and some toasts and were followed by dinner. Not long after, Erin danced with her father and was surprised by her sister joining the band to sing for them. Such a sweet moment!

The party really started at this point and my goodness, could this crowd celebrate! They held nothing back and danced like maniacs all...night...long! I saw Ryan lifted up by his groomsmen and other friends more than once, that's for sure!